Kubota M7060

[MtnViewRanch]

The Mahindra may well outwork the Kubota, but we traded our Case CX80 with synchronized shuttle-shift and no limited slip front differential and were really surprised at how much difference it made. Now if our Case had been dependable, we wouldn't have traded for those features, but buying new, it would have been a deciding factor; often depends on what you're doing and your priorities.

In my opinion, the only thing that the Kubota has over the Mahindra is the hydraulic shuttle, and that can be a HUGE factor for some people. As far as Mahindra , both my 7520 and 3215 have given me zero dependability problems over the last 10 years. In fact the only other than std maintenance issues have been some loose power steering connections on the 7520 that were relatively easy to fix. (tighten the fitting)

 

[mtwashingtonhunter]

In my opinion, the only thing that the Kubota has over the Mahindra is the hydraulic shuttle, and that can be a HUGE factor for some people. As far as Mahindra , both my 7520 and 3215 have given me zero dependability problems over the last 10 years. In fact the only other than std maintenance issues have been some loose power steering connections on the 7520 that were relatively easy to fix. (tighten the fitting)

Thanks, exactly what I want to hear.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Please do not take what I have said as trying to get you to buy the Mahindra, I don't care one way or the other. It's just that over all, here on TBN anyway, the overall consensus (to me anyway) is that Mahindra is not built as good as some of the others. People pick this and that apart. Now part of that is because they have 4 different builders now. But trust me, EVERY brand can be nit picked for something.

You mentioned that you have studied for over a year and now sort of wish that you had just bought without researching. Really, you would not ever second guess yourself?

I researched for over 2 years before I bought the 7520. I'm glade that I did. At that moment in time, I purchased the absolute best 75hp tractor that there was, for me. I have no regrets about getting what I got. Would I get the same tractor today, no. I would prefer to have a cab at this time in my life and a few more gears for that size-weight of machine. The 12x12 trans works fine, but a 16x16 would be better. I would also bump up to 85+hp.

Good luck with your final decision. :thumbsup:

 

[mtwashingtonhunter]

I appreciate any and all feedback I'm getting negative or positive. It will obviously be my final decision...and the wife's.
I may take the wife next week and let her sit on them and pick for me...that way I can blame her if I buy the wrong one.
As for the cab model...was seriously thinking I might do that, but I plan on being in the woods some and think I would regret the enclosed cab...but as soon as I'm in the middle of the field, I'll wish I had one.
Thanks again!

 

[coolnature]

There is no "perfect" tractor nor is there a trouble free brand that I am aware of. I have owned a Kubota M5040, synchro shift, and the only reason I gave it up was to get a larger, more powerful tractor. I agree with Brian in that the heavier Mahindra will put more power to the ground and coupled with its standard 12 speed tranny, may outwork the M7060 with its standard 8 speed gearbox (12 speed option available). The hydraulic shuttle is more than a leg saver, it is far more efficient than a standard shuttle when performing work that requires frequent direction changes.
My advice is to look at and compare all brands available within a reasonable distance. Make a list of must have features and a list of likes and dislikes about each tractor you are considering. Also consider the dealership and how you are treated. Who knows, you may even end up buying a Kioti, an LS, a Massey or another brand altogether. Have fun and enjoy the hunt.

 

[mtwashingtonhunter]

There is no "perfect" tractor nor is there a trouble free brand that I am aware of. I have owned a Kubota M5040, synchro shift, and the only reason I gave it up was to get a larger, more powerful tractor. I agree with Brian in that the heavier Mahindra will put more power to the ground and coupled with its standard 12 speed tranny, may outwork the M7060 with its standard 8 speed gearbox (12 speed option available). The hydraulic shuttle is more than a leg saver, it is far more efficient than a standard shuttle when performing work that requires frequent direction changes.
My advice is to look at and compare all brands available within a reasonable distance. Make a list of must have features and a list of likes and dislikes about each tractor you are considering. Also consider the dealership and how you are treated. Who knows, you may even end up buying a Kioti, an LS, a Massey or another brand altogether. Have fun and enjoy the hunt.

Thanks coolnature!

 

[ovrszd]

quik question. why are you considering both cast iron rear wheel and loaded rear tires on the kubota esp. if you are considering weight as transportation concern? imho don't need both options. also worth considering twin spindle hog options since you are on the drawing boards @ this point. a far smoother operating machine than single spindle 7' model.....just look @ pto hp requirements of each mower option (& of course weight, may be approaching max for the 7060).... much cheaper now to consider every option than to jump the gun in the buying frenzy. just go heavy duty mower (bush hog, rhino, land pride hd versions are great)if you have several yr growth.would steer clear of TSC Howse & other consumer versions, etc..... best regards
also...3" saplings is a tall task

I agree, if you are looking at a 7' singles spindle, you might as well go for an 8' dual spindle. The tractor will easily run it. And the extra weight won't be noticeable since it's closer to the tractor.

As for the weights, I use cast centers, fluid and cast weights on my M9540. Kubotas are notorious for being light in the rear.

As for saplings, I'd like to see some video of cutting 5" saplings with a 7040. A 5" sapling is wider than your hand. That's a serious tree that will be hard to "ride down". And it'll definitely shake all the dust off your tractor when you get it under the cutter......

 

[ovrszd]

In my opinion, the only thing that the Kubota has over the Mahindra is the hydraulic shuttle, and that can be a HUGE factor for some people. As far as Mahindra , both my 7520 and 3215 have given me zero dependability problems over the last 10 years. In fact the only other than std maintenance issues have been some loose power steering connections on the 7520 that were relatively easy to fix. (tighten the fitting)

I have a hydraulic shuttle tractor and a mechanical shuttle tractor. The difference is huge when changing directions a lot. When running the hyd shuttle I don't think about it much,,,,,, until I get on the mechanical shuttle. I'll admit I'm a bit hard on the mechanical shuttle tractor until my brain adjusts. Huge difference in ease of use.

 

[big bubba]

just to repeat the obvious. 3" "overgrowth" is a huge challenge in a neglected field. yes, one can buy a tractor and machine that will overcome the growth. but...well, think you are attempting something that can be solved by other means with less expense/ investment/ transport, etc. maybe time for you ( & more importantly significant other) to look at what you really want & where to go from there..... it's a huge investment, just like a home. best

 

[mtwashingtonhunter]

just to repeat the obvious. 3" "overgrowth" is a huge challenge in a neglected field. yes, one can buy a tractor and machine that will overcome the growth. but...well, think you are attempting something that can be solved by other means with less expense/ investment/ transport, etc. maybe time for you ( & more importantly significant other) to look at what you really want & where to go from there..... it's a huge investment, just like a home. best

To be honest, I haven't measured any of the growth... I'm probably exaggerating a tad... Lots of briar, grasses approaching 4'-5' tall maybe, I've got briar up to 7-8' tall probably... Some saplings, not like my fields are full of young trees, but there are some that I could use a saw, chainsaw, or machete on instead.
I didn't know about the hydraulic vs. mechanical shuttle to be honest.
So if I understand correctly, hydraulic shuttle doesn't need the clutch to change directions, mechanical needs clutch pressed to change directions?

 

[ovrszd]

.
I didn't know about the hydraulic vs. mechanical shuttle to be honest.
So if I understand correctly, hydraulic shuttle doesn't need the clutch to change directions, mechanical needs clutch pressed to change directions?

Correct.

On my Hydraulic shuttle tractor I can change direction by simply moving the lever from "forward" to "reverse" with no pedal action. Other than if my speed is such that I choose to use the brake pedal to stop tractor movement.

On my mechanical shuttle tractor I must engage the clutch, then move the lever to change direction, again brakes applied as needed.

Sounds like such a simple thing, how hard can it be. Trust me on this, after a couple dozen direction changes it becomes HUGE.

As I said earlier, I'm a bit hard on my mechanical shuttle tractor when I first get on it, I grind a LOT of gears the first few changes!!!!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

To be honest, I haven't measured any of the growth... I'm probably exaggerating a tad... Lots of briar, grasses approaching 4'-5' tall maybe, I've got briar up to 7-8' tall probably... Some saplings, not like my fields are full of young trees, but there are some that I could use a saw, chainsaw, or machete on instead.
I didn't know about the hydraulic vs. mechanical shuttle to be honest.
So if I understand correctly, hydraulic shuttle doesn't need the clutch to change directions, mechanical needs clutch pressed to change directions?

Correct. As I mentioned before, it is a HUGE deal for some.

I'm like Richard as far as I have both, but I don't feel that there is that big of a difference in use, but apparently that only applies to me and how I operate my machines.

 

[ovrszd]

Correct. As I mentioned before, it is a HUGE deal for some.

I'm like Richard as far as I have both, but I don't feel that there is that big of a difference in use, but apparently that only applies to me and how I operate my machines.

Brian, I am just much more lazy than you!!!!

 

[big bubba]

yes, you're correct. hyd shuttle, no clutch depression. a big difference vs mechanical shuttle requiring clutch depression. also....get a transmission that is fully synchronized in all gears, namely, that you can shift moving in any gear... to me height in growth is not as important as girth or diameter. there's a lot of difference between 1.5" diameter (about my max by choice) than 3".
this is just imho...don't base your final decision on just my opinion. btw you are wise to weigh all options before making the plunge! :thumbsup:

 

[ovrszd]

yes, you're correct. hyd shuttle, no clutch depression. a big difference vs mechanical shuttle requiring clutch depression. also....get a transmission that is fully synchronized in all gears, namely, that you can shift moving in any gear... to me height in growth is not as important as girth or diameter. there's a lot of difference between 1.5" diameter (about my max by choice) than 3".
this is just imho...don't base your final decision on just my opinion. btw you are wise to weigh all options before making the plunge! :thumbsup:

I agree. Non-synchronized transmission is not an option to me.

Also agree about sapling diameter. Huge difference with every half inch added. I too hesitate to cut anything over 2" and that's with a heavy duty M1008 JD cutter on my M9540.

Not to sound offensive, just making a joke. Men tend to scale sapling size like they scale ***** length, only in reverse. An inch isn't always an inch.

 

[TripleR]

In my opinion, the only thing that the Kubota has over the Mahindra is the hydraulic shuttle, and that can be a HUGE factor for some people. As far as Mahindra , both my 7520 and 3215 have given me zero dependability problems over the last 10 years. In fact the only other than std maintenance issues have been some loose power steering connections on the 7520 that were relatively easy to fix. (tighten the fitting)

Yep, that's why I said, "often depends on what you're doing and your priorities", big difference for me me won't be for me. We have several ponds as well as low spot and our Case would occasionally wind up getting stuck and was a bear to get out, with the limited slip front differential, we've never been to the point we couldn't get out with the FEL if needed even with the belly dragging.

I try to stay away from brand A vs brand B as far as quality as I honestly don't know.

 

[ovrszd]

I try to stay away from brand A vs brand B as far as quality as I honestly don't know.

Wise words my friend, wise words. I try to do the same.

I think where we come up short is we use brand names as a reference to what specific tractor we are talking about, when in fact we should be using "feature" names, such as limit slip front axle, or hydraulic shuttle, or synchro trans to make our point.

I certainly don't want to ever sound like I'm touting a certain brand name. Heck, I have 3 colors.

 

[mtwashingtonhunter]

Curious what other tractors with 65-75 hp have hydraulic shuttle like the Kubota? Maybe I should be comparing apples to apples if I'm wanting to stay away from mechanical shuttles?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Probably a good idea. :thumbsup: LS and Kioti

All nice machines.

Good luck

 

[mtwashingtonhunter]

Another example of my ignorance, I've never heard of LS tractors, and it looks like there's a dealer 18 miles from me.